Didier Drogba was the star African performer in Europe at the weekend, scoring twice for Chelsea in a London derby win over Arsenal that took them back to the top of the English Premiership.
It was a timely boost for the Ivory Coast captain after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations in Angola where he scored just once and his team were shock quarterfinal losers to fellow 2010 World Cup qualifiers Algeria.
ENGLAND
DIDIER DROGBA (Chelsea)
The Ivory Coast striker was in fine form, scoring both Chelsea goals in a 2-0 win over title rivals Arsenal as they regained top spot. He lost his marker at the far post to steer in a John Terry flick-on after eight minutes and midway trough the half made it 12 goals in 12 appearances against the Gunners with a typical powerful run and shot.
Continues Below ↓
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR (Manchester City)
The Togo striker couldn't stop City suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at Hull despite scoring. Adebayor struck on 59 minutes with a fine finish from Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure's flick.
KOLO TOURE (Manchester City)
The Ivory Coast defender had a mixed day as City lost to Hull. The centreback's clearing header led to George Boateng lashing in Hull's second goal, but Toure, who was also booked, did set up Emmanuel Adebayor's second-half goal with a back heel pass.
BENNI McCARTHY (West Ham)
South Africa striker McCarthy endured a dismal debut for the Hammers as he missed a hat-trick of chances during his struggling side's 2-1 defeat at Burnley. McCarthy, making his first appearance since his transfer-window move from Blackburn, lasted only 45 minutes before boss Gianfranco Zola replaced him with Egyptian Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam.
STEVEN PIENAAR (Everton)
The South African midfielder had a day to forget as he was sent off in Everton's 1-0 Merseyside derby defeat at Liverpool. Fortunate to avoid a red card in the first half for a nasty tackle on Javier Mascherano, Pienaar got his marching orders in stoppage time for a second booking after barging into Steven Gerrard.
MAMADY SIDIBE (Stoke)
Mali striker Sidibe celebrated signing a new contract with Stoke by scoring his team's second goal in a 3-0 home win over Blackburn. Sidibe, who penned a two-year deal, struck in the 45th minute when he turned in a cross from close range.
KAGISHO DIKGACOI (Fulham)
The South Africa midfielder played the first 55 minutes of a 0-0 draw at Bolton before being replaced by Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson. His departure didn't spark Fulham into life and the west London club had to settle for a point.
SPAIN
YAYA TOURE (Barcelona)
The Ivory Coast midfielder made his first league start for Barcelona this year against Getafe at Camp Nou and it proved an eventful as he became an emergency centrehalf after Gerard Pique was sent off on 25 minutes.
Continues...
» View article on a single page
|
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Delicious
Newsvine
Facebook
muti
Twitter
